Council to consider Quaerna liquor license
JANESVILLE — The Janesville City Council on April 28 will consider granting a liquor license to Michael Quaerna so he can buy Quaerna’s Tavern.
The matter was tabled Monday so council members could view Quaerna’s criminal history.
Michael Quaerna’s mother, Jacquiline, now owns the business at 214 W. Milwaukee St. She wants to retire but keep the business in the family.
The alcohol license advisory committee recommended against giving Michael a license because of a pattern of irresponsible behavior, ALAC Chairman and Councilman Paul Williams told council members at Monday’s meeting.
Councilman Bill Truman, however, made a plea for the family, saying he has known members for a long time. He said the business has been in the family at the same location since 1933.
“I know Mike’s been in trouble in the past,” Truman said.
He asked how often police have responded to the bar itself, and was told by Police Chief Neil Mahan that the number of calls is low.
Truman said the council could grant the license but pull it if there is trouble.
Williams, however, said revoking a license is a long and expensive process.
Williams said that the last time Michael appeared before the ALAC, committee members noted that he possibly had some anger management problems. Michael slammed the council chamber doors as he was leaving, Williams said.
Jacquiline also confirmed that she at one point had a restraining order against her son.
Continuing a family business is well and good, Williams said, but added, “We also have to look out for the city of Janesville when we issue these alcohol licenses.”
Councilman Russ Steeber asked to table the request until the council could review Michael’s criminal history.
Williams was the sole no vote.
related STORIES
May 4, 2008 at 7:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Gee Norseman...since I don't know who you are and can't look up your arrest record...I can look at your past posts here. It seems that you are a very negative person without a good thing to say about anybody including the President of our country. Your son most likely got your negative attitude...maybe thats why he ran into problems. I'm sure Mr. Quaerna wasn't the only one to victimize your kid! Grow Up!!
Apr 18, 2008 at 6:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
Let him have it. If he screws up them pull the license. It's really not that hard to figure out. So, it costs a little more to pull a license. This is a family owned business and the City should embrace such businesses. There aren't that many family run businesses in Janesville or Rock County anymore.
Apr 18, 2008 at 5:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
No I'm not a teacher just the father of one of his vitims from a long time ago. He had a reputation amongst his teachers then though. But hey, maybe he was just misunderstood.
Apr 17, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
norseman..are u a teacher? Seriously curious...my children attend this school, is this what my kids have to look forward too 15 years later, a teacher that slams them because he didn't approve of their attitudes?
Apr 17, 2008 at 8:22 a.m.
Apr 17, 2008 at 12:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
I remember him as a kid at Franklin. I told one of his teachers he was a future holy terror. Read his record on circuit court access and you can see I was right. He's getting what he deserves.
Apr 16, 2008 at 8:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Should we ban smoking AND alcohol in bars?!!!
Apr 16, 2008 at 1:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Well said diamondback i totally agree.But i cant beleive that they are throwing Michal Quaerna under a microscope when hes not the applicant, also all of the negative and selevtive stuff that was put out on the radio both wclo and wjvl and gazette extra.
Apr 16, 2008 at 1:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
Is the city going to LOOK at ALL license holders criminal histories ??? What about drunk driving,drugs, dc or better yet the owner that DROPS HIS PANTS and doesn't care who sees his small package...lol
Apr 16, 2008 at 12:15 p.m.
Suggest removal
I don't know the issues, but I would hope everyone can come together, and allow a family member to retain the bar. Could the mother also be named on the license for awhile? I haven't been there for about 20 years now, but I remember it as being very quiet during the dozen, or so times I was there. I didn't stay until bar time.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.